I was struck by Valerie Strauss' article in the last Vine on the many ways that Micah members engage in tzedakah through their engagement with the temple. During two weeks in October, we were buzzing with efforts to rebuild the world, with more than 300 Micah walkers supporting Micah House, the underwear drive surpassing its goal, the stellar Sukkot Fair, and preparations for the blood drive, among other activities. December brings our now-traditional "Spread the Light" project, where we help less fortunate families with holiday gifts. The folks who organize, support and promote these events make us a vibrant community of givers.

The Sukkot Fair was a great time for the community, with new entertainment, the sale of familiar merchandise and a brilliant day. Debbie B. and Debby C. have once again organized this event with flair and humor. And they tell me that they were supported by a phenomenal group of volunteers whose help made the pricing, set up and selling as smooth as it has ever been. I know everyone who attended is grateful to the "Debbies" and their team for this fun and fund-raising day for our community. Many thanks from us all.

There is also a quiet army of other Micah members who help to keep us connected. Of course our administrative staff, with Susie Blumenthal at the helm, keeps us apprised of the many events and opportunities each week. And David Diskin has made www. templemicah.org a one-stop-shop for information. But I want to highlight the very publication you are now reading. We take for granted that 11 times a year, we receive a newsletter that keeps us connected--to our community, our rabbis, our teachings. But far more goes into this jewel of a newsletter than laying out pre-fab articles. Members seek out stories that illustrate our commitment to growth and exploration. We receive reviews of books with Jewish content, stories that give us a glimpse into the lives of long-time members and the history of Temple Micah and the guidance and musings of our professional staff. These articles prod our thinking and encourage us to explore new ways to experience our Jewishness.

Rabbi Zemel told the board that he sent the last Vine to a fellow rabbi. His friend remarked that the Vine is the closest thing that he has ever seen to what a newsletter for a sacred community should be. Through the years many members have spent hundreds of hours on this labor of love. Our current editorial staff includes editor Jodi Enda, managing editor Judy Hurvitz, copy editor Louise Zemel and many freelance writers who research and write the text. Rob Sugar provides layout services and has helped update the look of the Vine. Each volume requires substantial fact checking, editing, and caressing until it reaches the level of journalistic professionalism that we would expect from commercial publications. The Vine keeps us connected in many important ways, and we should all feel privileged to have this group of dedicated and skilled members sharing their efforts with us.

So in addition to thanking the many volunteers who add to the vibrancy of Temple Micah, I would like to thank, in particular, the Vine volunteers who spend so much time and effort to reinforce our community.